Sunseeker 86 Yacht Review

This is a new model of Sunseeker which is making waves among her competitors. Sunseeker got into the limelight in the 1980s and 1990s when it launched its remarkable series of sport boats. Sunseeker is now a well-known name for producing quality, sleek and efficient motor yachts. Made in the first model made had offshore racing hulls with nice stripes and luxurious upholstery; they were top of the line when it comes to looks and performance.

CONSTRUCTION

Over the years, shipyard has succeeded in integrating into their bigger motor yachts, that high octane ethos, that even though they are large, as various boats of these days are, they still deliver. To get that true boating experience, you need to live on the edge once in a while; fire up the throttles on an 80 footer and heel it over very far and then you can say that you have really had that adrenaline pumping experience.

The 86 however is a very simple boat with none of these living on the edge moments. It is a modest Sunseeker model, with a milder deadrise and a sensible horsepower, and geometry which combines at modest speed to provide a steady, comfortable ride. MTU diesels with 1622horsepower per side were used, a large fuel capacity, very easy to drive and a modest hull which altogether contribute to making the cruise very relaxing at a wonderful range.

ACCOMMODATIONS

This boat contains many things a typical large boat would have; a balcony in the wheelhouse, an eye-catching curves bar located in the galley which gives that sociable atmosphere, a remarkable deck saloon which tends to draw one closer. Below the deck the accommodation layouts are of different types and all have a remarkable 6 feet, 6 inches’ headroom 6 feet 6 inches long and full size berths.

The two lower layouts are differentiated by the option of an added forward companionway. This layout that has two companionways is large and does not need a central corridor to connect the cabins. A test boat was the second one produced and had this forward companionway option, a pair of large twin cabins using the same amidships beam with the master and a VIP with its own passageway. The version without this option is larger but doesn’t have as many benefits as the first option. You may also divide the master into two to create a five cabin layout.

PERFORMANCE

The twin 1622-horsepower MTUs, although it looks too small for a 65-ton yacht, it delivers a lot of horsepower for the 86-foot yacht. The hull has been worked on by naval architects at Sunseeker to make it the best for cruising from 12-18 knots. The hull is very easy to drive and doesn’t need trim changes between displacement and planning models.

We moved at a roll at 16 knots and 1800 rpm and confirmed that we could use a downward trim tab for an additional half-knot. We also noticed that we could have made five consecutive trips to Cherbourg which was 50 miles away and back without running out of fuel. The sound level was low and the running altitude was cool. The 86 proved that Sunseeker yachts are real masters at design, style and functionality.

LOA: 86’3″
BEAM: 21’3″
DRAFT: 6’5″
DISPL: 147,400 LB
FUEL: 2907 GAL
WATER: 370 GAL
TEST POWER: 2/1622hp MTU 10V 2000 M94s